Battle

Kakashi had already gripped his short sword with both hands.

Ever since he could remember, Leaf Village had never been invaded. Today was the first time in his life, so he decided to use his full strength and teach these petty scoundrels a proper lesson.

Kazuma had just dismissed his subordinates. Now, facing Kakashi and Asuma alone, he truly lacked confidence. Asuma alone was already evenly matched with him.

Just as he was preparing to slowly retreat, Kakashi moved first.

"Daring to lose focus in battle? It seems you do not even understand what a Ninja is, yet you still dare to boast about abolishing ninja villages."

A dazzling blade flashed straight toward Kazuma's neck.

Though it looked like an ordinary strike, it was the culmination of Kakashi's Hatake Sword Style. Both its speed and technique had reached their peak. A great sword had no edge; great skill appeared simple. It was the perfect answer to every flashy trick.

In Kakashi's own mind, this strike had already surpassed Lightning Cutter. He was confident that if he faced his former self, this one strike would decide the outcome.

Terror appeared in Kazuma's eyes. He had not even seen Kakashi move before the blade was nearly about to behead him. In the entire Ninja World, there were only a handful of blade users capable of this.

"Earth Style: Hardening Technique!"

Kazuma retreated in panic, yet he could not escape the attack's range. Gritting his teeth, he directly applied a reinforcement to himself and prepared to take the blow head-on.

However, a contemptuous sneer curled beneath Kakashi's mask. Even if there had been a small mountain before him, he was confident he could slice off half of it. Could a mere body-hardening technique really block his blade?

It was no different from seeking